MMA star Antonio Carlos Jr. is so popular in Brazil that he can't walk down the street without being recognized, but it's not because of his career in the cage.
Junior is 15-2 as a fighter, has competed in the UFC, and is currently signed to the Professional Fighters League.
However, he returned to his home country and shot to fame after appearing on the popular reality show Big Brother last year.
Junior was recovering from a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury when he received a shocking phone call from a producer asking him to join the household of a famous celebrity.
He told SunSport:
“I was in physical therapy and training the best I could, and I thought, 'You know what?' I'm going to use this moment to try and push myself a little harder.”
“I accepted it and decided to be a part of the show. It was good because a lot of people saw it, and I thought it would be good for sponsorships and things like that.”
Junior, 34, appeared on the show for two months, but says it affected him so much that he struggles to go anywhere without fans noticing him.
He added: It is the most watched reality show in the world and was watched by many people. As a result, many people were able to connect with me.
“This is crazy to me, but good.”
Junior left the UFC in 2021 and signed with rival PFL for the 2021 season that same year.
The PFL consists of a qualifying stage and a knockout stage, with stars from each division playing two regular season matches.
Points are earned for each winning method, and the top four advance to the semi-finals and then the final.
The season culminates in a series of finale battles for title belts and life-changing prizes.
The junior won the title and prize money in 2021, but missed just two games in the 2022 season due to injury and missed last year's game as a result.
He returns this Friday in search of the old crown, but insists that money is not his motive, as he has already bought his dream watch.
Junior said:
“The money was good for me, but most of it went into investments. I already had a house and a good car.
“I traveled a lot and bought a watch because I liked it. Thailand is the center of Muay Thai, so I also went to Thailand to practice Muay Thai.”
